Review: It's a Wonderful Life at Reading Rep
A firm Christmas favourite, Reading's community theatre stages a magical romance
The aroma of mince pies and mulled wine fills the intimate auditorium as Reading Rep presents one of its two Christmas productions in repertory - It’s a Wonderful Life. Festive lights hang from the ceiling as the audience is welcomed into the fictional world of Bedford Falls, New York, where a classic tale of romance and self-valuing unfolds.
Adapted for the stage by playwright and dramaturg Mary Elliott Nelson based on the 1946 classic American film, It’s a Wonderful Life sets its scene on Christmas Eve 1945, when the protagonist George Bailey is about to commit suicide on a bridge atop a frozen river. Three guardian angels are summoned from heaven, one of which, Clarissa Oddbody, is on a mission to save George.
In a recount of his life up until he decides to jump into the frozen river, George encounters various people in his life, such as his supportive wife Mary Hatch, his lovely Aunt Dilly who runs the family Building and Loan and the antagonist, Mr Potter, who threatens to take the Baileys’ company down, among a whole host of other characters that George comes to learn, forming his truly wonderful life. At this point, if the plot line rings a bell, there is no particular coincidence - the book upon which the original film is based, is inspired by another Christmas staple, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, but the similarities of these stories do not at all take away the enjoyment of this charming version of the story.
In a first for the theatre, two productions are staged simultaneously on alternate nights, but Libby Todd’s set design that quickly transforms for the other production, Potted Panto, quickly justifies itself to aptly fit within the setting of It's a Wonderful Life. The elevated bridge is the canvas on which the recurring motif of George staring out into the frozen river is presented throughout key scenes. Aaron J Dootson's lighting design beautifully complements Paul Stacey and Chris Cuming's dynamic direction, fluidly snapping in and out between George's life and the guardian angels’ perspective.
The show features a variety of characters, all of which are multi-roled by an incredibly talented company of four. Mark Desebrock leads the company as the central character George, his endearing personality resonating with the audience - depressing and self-doubting in one moment, joyful and camp in another. Orla O'Sullivan stars opposite as George's wife Mary and Angel Clarissa, her optimism sparks chemistry with George which is a joy to watch. Eugene Evans and Charlotte Warner complete the company, and their versatility truly gets to shine. Both cast members play guardian angels (who are also conveniently narrators), Evans has plenty of fun switching between the kind-at-heart store owner Mr Gower and the antagonist Mr Potter. Warner effortlessly manipulates a variety of accents and physical gestures, particularly prominent in her portrayal of the old Aunt Dilly and the aptly-named bar lady Mrs Martini. Nelson's book gives a glimpse into all these interesting and unique characters, but it would be worth spending more time on these “side” characters, and how their lives hold a place in George's for a more impactful flashback towards the end of the play.
The festive tale ends with an uplifting message to value one's life and positive impacts we have had on the lives of people around us, and for the time of cheer and giving, this makes for a delightful winter treat.
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the venue. All views are my own without any input or approval from the producers.
♾️ Clear content warnings were posted on the door, advising of the use of flashing lights, some of which point out into the first few rows of the audience. There are some sound effects used but no sudden loud noises - the speakers were at a fairly comfortable level.